Most Career Receiving Yards by a Minnesota Vikings Player

From Carter to Moss to Jefferson — Vikings greats who lit up the skies in purple

by SOG Sports

Most Career Receiving Yards by a Minnesota Vikings Player

The Minnesota Vikings have assembled one of the most iconic receiving legacies in pro football history. From Cris Carter’s peerless route running to Randy Moss’s jaw-dropping speed and Justin Jefferson’s modern dominance, Vikings fans have witnessed era-defining greatness.

This ranking looks at the top 10 Vikings in franchise history by total receiving yards. Some brought consistency, others pure explosion — all left their mark in purple and gold.


Top 10 All-Time Receiving Yard Leaders

10. Stefon Diggs – 4,623 Yards
Diggs delivered unforgettable moments in Minnesota, most famously the “Minneapolis Miracle.” His route-running and swagger made him a fan favorite.

9. Ahmad Rashad – 5,489 Yards
Rashad was a steady presence in the late ’70s and early ’80s, making Pro Bowls and forming a reliable connection with quarterback Tommy Kramer.

8. Steve Jordan – 6,307 Yards
One of the NFL’s most productive tight ends of his era, Jordan brought consistency and athleticism, topping 500 yards seven times.

7. Sammy White – 6,400 Yards
White earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1976 and quickly became a dependable big-play target throughout his career.

6. Jake Reed – 6,433 Yards
Reed paired with Cris Carter and Randy Moss to form a terrifying trio, posting four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in the ’90s.

5. Adam Thielen – 6,682 Yards
Thielen’s story is the stuff of legend—an undrafted local kid who became a two-time Pro Bowler and red-zone machine.

4. Justin Jefferson – 7,432 Yards
Jefferson has shattered records since arriving, blending elite route-running, toughness, and production at a historic pace.

3. Anthony Carter – 7,636 Yards
Carter’s speed and toughness made him a mainstay in Minnesota’s offense, especially during the late ’80s playoff runs.

2. Randy Moss – 9,316 Yards
Moss revolutionized the deep ball with his size and speed. His rookie season remains one of the most dominant debuts in NFL history.

1. Cris Carter – 12,383 Yards
If you needed a toe-tap catch on the sideline, Carter was your guy. A Hall of Famer with eight straight 1,000-yard seasons, he set the gold standard in Minnesota.

 

Top 10 most career receiving yards by a Minnesota Vikings player

Ranking the 10 best career receiving yard performances in Minnesota Vikings history


Top 50 Career Receiving Yards Performances in Vikings History

From the steady excellence of Cris Carter to the electric fireworks of Randy Moss and the modern brilliance of Justin Jefferson, these Vikings greats have set a towering standard for the franchise. As Jefferson continues his climb, it’s only a matter of time before he challenges every record on this list.

RankPlayer NameReceiving Yards
1Cris Carter12,383
2Randy Moss9,316
3Anthony Carter7,636
4Justin Jefferson7,432
5Adam Thielen6,682
6Jake Reed6,433
7Sammy White6,400
8Steve Jordan6,307
9Ahmad Rashad5,489
10Stefon Diggs4,623
11Kyle Rudolph4,488
12Hassan Jones3,733
13Percy Harvin3,302
14John Gilliam3,297
15Paul Flatley3,222
16Bill Brown3,177
17Gene Washington3,087
18Chuck Foreman3,057
19Leo Lewis2,924
20Ted Brown2,850
21Visanthe Shiancoe2,424
22Rickey Young2,255
23Darrin Nelson2,202
24Jerry Reichow2,183
25Sidney Rice2,129
26Jarius Wright2,039
27Adrian Peterson1,945
28T.J. Hockenson1,934
29Bernard Berrian1,925
30Stu Voigt1,919
31Qadry Ismail1,856
32K.J. Osborn1,845
33Joe Senser1,822
34Dalvin Cook1,794
35Nate Burleson1,789
36Jordan Addison1,786
37Tommy Mason1,689
38Jim Kleinsasser1,688
39Jermaine Wiggins1,659
40Marcus Robinson1,553
41Greg Jennings1,546
42Bob Grim1,414
43Dave Osborn1,412
44Chester Taylor1,357
45Amp Lee1,348
46John Henderson1,330
47Mike Jones1,327
48Cordarrelle Patterson1,316
49Moe Williams1,301
50Robert Smith1,292

From the steady excellence of Cris Carter to the electric fireworks of Randy Moss and the modern brilliance of Justin Jefferson, these Vikings greats have set a towering standard for the franchise. As Jefferson continues his climb, it’s only a matter of time before he challenges every record on this list.


FAQ SECTION

Who holds the Vikings record for most career receiving yards?
Cris Carter tops the chart with 12,383 yards in Minnesota.

Which current player is rising fastest on this list?
Justin Jefferson is already fourth all-time after just a few seasons of jaw-dropping production.

Are any Hall of Famers among these receivers?
Yes—Cris Carter and Randy Moss have both been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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